Fort Lewis College achieves milestone with carbon emission reduction
As world leaders meet in Paris for climate talks, Fort Lewis College (FLC) is ready to announce a major environmental sustainability milestone. As a signatory of the Second Nature Climate Commitment, FLC set a goal of reducing carbon emissions 20 percent by 2015; a recent study showed the actual reduction is 21 percent. The reduction is the equivalent of over 3,200 tons of CO2.
“This is good news for the climate,” says Dr. Kathy Hilimire, assistant professor of Environmental Studies and FLC Sustainability Coordinator. “At a time when many institutions are increasing their carbon footprint, it is heartening to see FLC make such a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions. As sustainability coordinator, I look forward to growing this momentum and investigating ways for FLC to further reduce its climate footprint.”
“Exceeding the carbon emissions goal we set for ourselves meant a significant investment in time, money and other resources, but this is an initiative that is important to Fort Lewis College and the world,” adds FLC President Dene Thomas. “I applaud those from our Physical Plant Services, Environmental Studies program, Environmental Center and others who worked so hard to earn this achievement.”
The majority of the reduction can be attributed to campus-wide energy efficiency upgrades the College completed in 2013. The upgrades cost $9 million, but should more than pay for themselves over time in energy savings. In addition to the reduction of CO2 since the upgrades were completed, FLC has saved nearly 3 million kwh of electricity, over 200,000 ccf of natural gas, and 6.4 million gallons of water.
Fort Lewis College is also home to three Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold buildings. The LEED designation is approved by the U.S. Green Building Council for construction that incorporates environmentally friendly features and practices. A fourth LEED Gold building is planned in the new Geosciences, Physics & Engineering Hall.
One of the more noticeable sustainable additions to campus is the solar array atop the Student Union. The array supplies electricity to one of the busiest buildings on campus. Since its completion in 2010, the array has generated over 144,000 kwh of electricity. Real-time data showing what the solar array is generating can be viewed at www.fortlewis.edu/solar.
More information on Fort Lewis College’s commitment to environmental sustainability can be found at www.fortlewis.edu/sustainability.